A Whanganui woman has launched Black Velvet, a company selling locally-produced horse riding safety vests.
Jutta Rosenblatt and her husband Berny Maubach run Vollrath Stud, a Hanoverian sport horse stud, on Kaikokopu Rd. Ms Rosenblatt has worked with horses for most of her life and came up with the concept for the vests to improve comfort for riders.
"I have designed the vest because I was looking for a more suitable vest than the usual ones on the market and also a more affordable one," Ms Rosenblatt said.
"It differs from other safety vests in that it is soft and pliable, looking fashionable and also covers the lumbar area while being short in front. Priced at $180, it is also a lot cheaper than other vests that will set you back $400 or more."
The vests are made of a polycotton outer and lining and come in a variety of colours. They are filled with high quality EVA foam that has a high velocity impact resistance.